CHG New Year Trial, new venue

CHG held their New Year Easy trial on Sunday at Chedworth a welcome new venue for the club.

The conditions were ideal for a steady day's riding and spectating after the festive excesses. This trial is always popular and it's aim is to encourage occasional riders and beginners, with plenty of Twin Shock and Pre-65 machines making up the entry.

3 laps of 12 sections greeted the 118 competitors, confirming the need for trials to be simpler at grass routes level.

Some queuing was unavoidable but spirits remained high and everyone enjoyed their day's riding.

The seasoned riders in all classes made light work of the sections, but concentration was needed to avoid losing any slack marks, and some of the sections on the clubman route were a little tricky.

The three best riders on the day were Martin Wilmore, Nigel Tomkins and BVM boss Mark Kemp having one of his rare outings, all three cleaning the whole trial so tie for the win.

A welcome visitor to the club was r2wtrials man Heath Bindley riding one of Steve Saunders new 250 Jotagas's, his first outing for sometime following knee problems.

He was happy to report on a trouble free day only losing 2 marks. Another friend of the club is Photographer Mike Yiend, who will have probably taken a picture of everyone sometime during the trial, check them out!

On the 50/50 route the ever enthusiastic Brian Taylor on 5 marks lost, was rewarded for his steady ride with a class win against much more experienced rivals.

The Sportsman route had five riders on clean, with section 12 having a far from easy tight turn over tree roots. Improving Stuart Carling who has only ridded a few trials had a fantastic ride for the loss of only one mark.

Preview: Steve Venn

Cheltenham Home Guard MCC are planning their usual club new year trial for 6th January 2013.

The difference this year will be a new all weather venue at Chedworth.

Signed off A429 between Northleach and Cirencester GL54 4NQ.

Everyone of all standards on any bike is welcome.
Clubman route, Sportsman route and 50/50, no hard route.

The sportsman route will be very easy and straight forward for beginners,
trail bikes and occasional riders wanting a steady day to start the year off.

The start will be at the farm shop with bacon rolls etc available.
Just turn up and enter on the day - or get your regs and entry forms HERE. And remember to bring your new ACU 2013 licence!